Catherine Called Birdy

In muddy medieval Britain, Birdy played by Bella Ramsey, is a free spirited and frustratingly headstrong 14 years old, busy defying her father, Andrew Scott's attempts to get her married and save the family with a dowry from a rich suitor, however ill suited they might be. She's having none of it.

Using sharp, witty and very 21st century dialogue, Lena Durham has created a funny and sweet medieval coming of age comedy / drama which at its centre is the wonderful and shining Ramsey. She is also well supported by a terrific British cast including Scott, Billie Piper and the excellent Lesley Sharp as the nanny everyone would dream of having. The words are the thing here though and it's unlikely that you'd watch this and not have a smile on your face afterwards. Nice soundtrack as well.

Birdy's a young girl, almost a woman, a bit naïve of all the world in which she's living, but she's got to grow up quick, a new clock's primed and starts to tick, she now has value and a modesty for taking. So arrangements are prepared to sell her off, it makes her quite annoyed, it makes her scoff, so she wriggles and she squirms, to avert taking new terms, prevent her moving to a strangers dirty trough. But her father's most insistent she'll soon pack, for disobeying he metes out several hand whacks, potential suitors are arranged, so she presents as quite deranged, then Shaggy Beard, decides he'd like to have a crack. You're just pleased this is a tale set in the past, a time of yore, so long ago, a long time passed, well you'd like to think that's true, but you know, and I know too, that it all depends upon the cards that you've been caste.

Great acting, great dialogue, not quite as laugh out loud funny as I'd hoped it would be but enjoyable nonetheless - to a point, which it makes very well. There's a very good film called 'What Will People Say' that's worth tracking down if you have the time.

8/10 - Most films set in medieval times have a "brown" tinge to them. This film however is colourful and bright - and that's not even my favourite thing about it. I think think this is one of the best things Lena Dunham has ever done, I always liked "Girls" but was never part of the frenzy, more a casual viewer. But this film is really special, Bella Ramsey is so talented as is the whole cast. It also does the rare thing of being a young adult story that teens and tweens can watch with their parents. There's nothing in there that's really inappropriate or gratuitous. I highly recommend this film!

I was so excited to hear that this book was being adapted into a film! And when I saw what a strong cast it had, I was even more excited.

The excitement passed about 15 minutes into the film. In it, Birdy is a far cry from the spunky young heroine from the book. She is whiny and selfish, and not much else. Bella Ramsay does a good job with a one-note character. But the script loses all the humour of the book.

An excellent supporting cast is pretty much wasted here, and I just found myself wishing it was over. The ending was preposterous and unsatisfying after suffering through almost two hours of lacklustre story.

Do yourself a favour and read the book. The characters are better, brighter and I think you'll find it an all-around a more enjoyable experience.

How on Earth is this film currently rated 5.9? I'm giving it a ten in the hopes of averting the universe from tilting sideways with injustice. The writing is sharp, funny, often quietly potent. The cast is perfect and the cinematography, set and costume design excellent. Is the low rating because the film is anachronistic? Did some people think this was an historical reenactment? Obviously it's not because the casting is colour-blind, because that would be monumentally stupid. Bella Ramsey knocks every line, scowl, and flounce out of the park. A lovely little film, and here's hoping Bella Ramsey, already one of the very best actors of her generation, goes on to have a long, meandering and celebrated career.